Although Verizon and Samsung were not able to release the Odyssey on the network for December as had been expected, we’re quite confident we’ll finally see the device in the coming weeks, including a sneak peek at CES next week.

The specifications for the device have now come to our attention via an internal data sheet for Verizon. While some were really hoping that the Odyssey will be Verizon’s version of the ATIV S that unfortunately was never our understanding and the specs reflect that notion. The device instead will be positioned as entry-level, reportedly going for free on contract when it finally hit shelves.

Samsung ATIV Odyssey

Dimensions – 4.82H x 2.51W x 0.43D

4.0” WVGA Super AMOLED

5MP Rear (1080P video)

1.2MP Front (720P video)

1GB RAM, 8GB internal, microSD expansion

2100mAh replaceable battery; no wireless charging

MSM8960 Dual core 1.5 GHz

All in all, the Samsung ATIV Odyssey won’t blow the doors off of the market but then again, it’s not meant to. Rather it’s for those looking for a no-frills but solid Windows Phone experience.

We’re confident that Verizon and Samsung will show this device off next week in Las Vegas during CES 2013 and we’ll be sure to get hands on and more info at that time. Thanks, First Last, for the info!

So far Verizon has given Zero incentive to upgrade to their WP8 line of devices from the HTC Trophy. I will continue to hold off until a device similar to the Lumia 920 comes to the carrier, or jump ship to another provider.

I've been using the Lumia 822 and have been very pleased with it. The size is manageable, and the device looks better than the pics make it out to be. I know it is missing "the" camera of the 920, but the rest of the Nokia experience is there, plus I have a 64GB SD card installed so I've got all the room I need for my media and then some. Just my $0.02... ;-)

I had the Lumia 822 for one month and ended up returning it because the call quality and speaker quality is horrendous.
I really tried to enjoy this device, switched from an 2 yr old iPhone 4.

Unfortunately, no global phone search function on the Windows 8 device, coupled with a poor calendar app, and the call quality on the 822 made me decide to return to my old iPhone 4. I really iked the windows phone 8 feel and operating system, but until those things are fixed - i just can't deal with it.

the saddest part of this system is that the calendar they use is so terrible. They want this to be a business centric device but you can't even see your weekly or monthly schedule from the app month view. The items show up unreadable unless you zoom to day view...for business people who are tied to their calendar.... forget about it.

It seems as though Verizon is simply taking the conservative approach to Windows Phone - they only had the Trophy initially, and sales may have been 'just OK'; so they are easing into WP8 - willing to give the OS a fair shot by offering decent devices and gauging demand. Makes sense to me.

My brother has the Trophy and I have the 822. The 822 may not look like an upgrade to you, but side by side, there is no comparison. The 822's screen, speed, having WP8, and just being a much nicer looking device just blows the doors off the Trophy.

Just moving an unconfirmed rumor from December to "2013." How did the December rumor work out for people? It is not real on a carrier until it is announced. Nothing has been confirmed here. All you have done is recycle a rumor to a later date and confirmed it by your own authority (AKA the rumor mill said XXXXXXXX so it must be true....)

Tell me again what I'm not getting on my 1 month old 822 that I would get with a 920? Please discount the 920's camera as a feature because I'm a very happy owner of a Nikon D300 with a bunch of Nikon f/2.8 zoom glass.
I have a replacable 1800 mAh battery (vs 1650 on the 820)
I have an interchangable back so I can get wireless charging when the (very desirable to me) DT-910 becomes available.
I've already installed a 64 GB memory card in addition to the built-in 16 GB of storage
I have the super-sensitive touch screen.
I get all the Nokia-only apps.
Oh, and I've enjoyed the use of my 822 for the last month.

About the wireless charger. Go to the Microsoft Store or att.com to purchase the accessory. Look them up on ATT website and see if any of your local att stored have any in stock. Purchased two at an att store last week although sold out online.

I think 822 has only 2 HAAC mics for rich recording, where as 920 has 3 HAAC mics. Different resolution with different screen tech(puremotion). Although I have read some people like 822's clearblack amoled more than 8x's, even when its higher resolution. I think thats about it.

Looks my old Focus, just with a different back. They should have at least put a 8MP camera like Nokia 810/820/822. The bigger battery is definitely a nice touch. This should be a FREE phone on contract or no more than $50 on contract.

I went from a Trophy to an 8x, not sure what you are all blasting on about as its a very nice upgrade in both phone and O/S. Well worth it. I liked my Tropy just fine, but suggesting the 8x isn't a worthy upgrade? I don't get it?!? Unless you're looking for a small tablet to replace your phone with I guess....

I don't find the phone that objectionable. Right now I am using a GSIII on Sprint. But I really miss WP and the fluid, modern UI. I put WP7.8 on my old Focus, no service at the moment, and it reminded me how much nicer the general look and feel is - in my opinion. I also like the smaller size. Maybe time to switch to Verizon...
El Mono

So Verizon is to have two entry phone (while one is free and announced to make a splash and the other could be free but at least has some figures). Sad to see that as Google, Samsung does not believe in Windows Phone or the users of it.
The question remains: if the 822 is currently offered for free with contract and the 8X for $99; will the Odyssey be free and a bag of back covers?

This would be the WP8 successor to the much-beloved focus. I'd snap it up over my Ativ S if it was at least QHD resolution. (and yes, I know WP doesn't currently support QHD. An oversight for the small-phone market, IMO.)

QHD (2560×1440)
QHD (Quad HD), also sometimes advertised as WQHD[25] due to its widescreen shape, is a display resolution of 2560×1440 pixels in a 16:9 aspect ratio. It is four times the pixel resolution of the 720p HDTV video standard, hence the name.

That's fine. Verizon is clearly uncommitted to high end Windows phones. HTC doesn't cut it. They just need to lose a fair number of customers to get the clue. The key to remember is what happened with the Iphone. Verizon wasn't convinced it would do well. AT&T doubled their marketshare and Verizon went nowhere. I guess it's time for a few Verizon marketing execs to get fired and Verizon gets to learn the same lesson all over again.
20 year customer and it's time to wave b'bye.

I'm looking at getting my mom her first smartphone. I'm trying to decide between this Samsung and the Lumia 822. I know Nokia has the nice apps, but I don't know if my mom will use them much. My question is the battery life. I noticed the Samsung has a 2,100 mAH battery compared to the 1,800 mAH on the Lumia 822. Is this a significant difference?